Bangkok Beckons!

Bangkok is such a beautiful place! Staying for just 6 days was really not enough. So much more to do, see and experience. Truly it was a feast for all senses: The magnificent sight of the Grand Palace and Buddhist Temples, the feel of smooth Thai silk, the smell and tangy taste of the Thai dishes, and the serenity of Ayuthaya. This was yet another memorable birthday for me. And I've got pictures to prove it!

I really don't know what the big hoopla is with the Chatuchak Market. Maybe because I've been to Divisoria and Greenhills several times? I dunno. Everything you see in Divi and GH is all there. Price is almost the same too. I fell in love with the malls though. Still didn't buy that much, just unique pieces that can't be found here in Manila.

We stayed with my friend (a former dancer for Hotlegs), Vivian, who is now happily married to an American diplomat. They both work at the U.S. Embassy. They have a great place that equalled the beauty and high standards of Essensa at Fort Bonifacio. Plus it was walking distance to the train and malls.

We will definitely visit again.

My bliss

The very first time I dug my toes into the pristine white sands of Boracay was in 1988. Back then there was no airport in Caticlan so we had to take the 2 hour dusty, hellish jeepeney (take note, no buses yet)ride from Kalibo to Caticalan. From there we rode the 45 minute bangka to the island of Boracay. I didn't know what to expect, but as our boat veered at a corner of an island...there it was...

a 7km stretch of pure white sands and about 3 little resorts that were set kilometers apart. It was paradise. No electricity, no huge crowd to weave through, no massive buildings and no resorts and restaurants that are pressed to close together. Just the talcum-powder-like sand, the clear blue water, and us. Aaaah...

As the years went by, many have visited and settled in Bora and is now one big party place, especially during the Christmas Holiday, Summer and Lenten season. It's still the best beach in the Philippines. But many weren't as privileged as I was to see it at its heavenly, unadulterated state :)


*the hot new hobby on the island...fire poi*


*my glitter tattoo*


*fun in the sun w/ some friends*

What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas...

...well, nothing "happend" in vegas that I don't want to share with everyone. I went here twice in 2004. I'm not much into casinos so we went shopping and watched some shows. Of course, we didn't forget to watch our country's very own. My main man, super balladeer and great friend, Martin Nievera at the Golden Nugget. Watching him made me well up a bit. I'm just so proud of him.

My memorable meal was at the top of the Stratosphere. Damn...we were so high! And it was turning a whole 360degrees too. That's the highest place I've ever eaten. Well, aside from when I'm on a plane. Our attending waiter was Filipino so he took good care of us :)

Some pics:

Enjoying the Dancing Fountains at The Bellagio...





Strolling at The Venetian...



I love you, Vegas! :)

Meeting the Family

On our U.S. trip in 2004, we passes by the Alamo at night so I don't have a darn pic infront of it :(

But one very significant event happened in San Antonio. I met my hana's big family who migrated there years ago and settled in this historical city. And just in time for his grandmother's (abuelita) birthday!

And that I have a picture of (see pic above). Which in my opinion, is a far more important Kodak moment than standing infront of the Alamo. :)

Second Childhood

...this I experienced during my first visit to California Adventure Theme Park in 2001. I went to the States for work, leaving my daughter behind in Manila. I promised her that the next time I go, I will take her with me. And that is why I didn't go to Disneyland just yet.

We finally went back in 2004. We were so excited, we wanted to go on all the rides! We were there sooooo early and left real late!

We also went to...

Disneyland:


Universal Studios:



We stayed in L.A. for like a whole month. But my all time favorite place in sunny California is Fremont. It's just so homey! If I was to settle down in the U.S., I would definitely live in Fremont. :)

Sing, Sing...Singapore!

*The Philippine Ultimate Frisbee Team*

We went here in 2003 for the annual Ultimate Frisbee tournament. It was our country's second time to join. We placed second to the last. hahaha! It's all good. We had lots of fun. We went shopping, ate at Newton Circus (love the hainanaese chicken!)saw the night zoo and partied with some "showbiz" singaporean friends. :)


*the frisbee registration party at Raffles Hotel*



*loving the food at Newton Circle*



*at the airport, on our way back to Manila :(*

One Big Shopping Mall...

...that’s what Hong Kong is for me. There are friggin’ stores everywhere my shopaholic self could hardly keep up! I stayed here for 2 weeks in 2001 with some of my co-dancers for FREE coz we danced back-up for a well-known Hong Kong singer here (sorry, forgot her name).

Other than that, all we did was… eat, sleep, shop, eat, shop sleep and shop!

I wanna go back with my boy-friend and daughter and go to the newly-opened Disneyland and to shop some more. Note to self: Bring more money :)


*couldn't find anything more scenic but this. haha!*


*Twinkle, me and Joyce...taking a pictorial break after a long walk in some park*


*Twinkle, Geo, des, Joyce and me...after a long day of ceasless shopping, we surrender our flip flops by the subway*